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By Root 645 0

locked in a dungeon, Lord Zacharius. The 'hospitality' you spoke of was imprisonment.” “I suppose, if you want to look at it that way. But as you can see, I've hardly been confined. Why don't we try to make the best out of it?” “Your imprisonment is as much for your protection as anything. Many hold you responsible for the acts of your people. They might attempt to harm you.” “Or they might reward me for getting back at the nasty, fat slobs that cheat them. You're aware of the protesters outside the Citadel, aren't you? Even as we speak, there are-” “I am well aware of them,” Myrmeen said curtly. “Our citizens are outraged and frightened by the treatment I've received. They chant that the gods will be quite cross. They feel all the 'incidents,' as you call them, are the results of the higher powers defending my race.“ ”Those people are professional zealots,“ Myrmeen said, ”looking for any

cause.“ ”They've found mine.“ Myrmeen narrowed her eyes. ”They don't know what you truly are, Lord Zacharius. I doubt they would be so supportive if they knew of your bestial side.“ 'Threats don't become you,” he drawled. “And please, call me Zaz.” “Lord Zacharius, this is a serious matter. Your kind has the power to hypnotize, to enchant. Is that how you've managed to get out of your cell nearly every evening for the past tenday? Is that how you got in here?” “Nothing so crude as that. I thought we might spend a quiet evening together.” The cat lord uncoiled his body and rose from Myrmeen's throne. She went angrily toward him, and they met in the center of the room. “And afterward, I thought we might once again discuss my proposal.” “I refuse to give any serious consideration to your request so long as the attacks against my people persist.” “What makes you think I have anything to do with it?” he asked as he absently brushed her arm. Myrmeen pulled away and restrained an urge to strike the man. “I slighted you. I insulted your religious beliefs and refused your request to unearth the remains of your ancestor. Zealots have often killed for less.” “Do I seem like a zealot to you?” Myrmeen looked away from the man's hypnotic gaze. “I don't know what to make of you.” “Of course you do. Trust your instincts. Listen to what they tell you.” “At the moment, my instincts tell me that, despite your diplomatic status, you should be questioned about the murder in the gardens.” “Do you suspect me of that murder?” he asked, genuinely surprised. Myrmeen nodded. “You or one of your people. Your gift for getting in and out of heavily secured places has certainly done little to set my concerns aside. The way the dead man was savaged certainly seems like it could have been the work of your kind.” “Naturally you've considered that the victim may have been killed in this manner to cast suspicion upon any wild beast, not just my cats. The ploy has been successful in keeping your attention from the true murderer, if you're spending so much time worrying about me.” “Anything is possible.” “I don't even know this man who was killed.” “So you say.” He grinned, his green eyes sparkling. “Myrmeen, I could never lie to you.” Anger seized the noblewoman. “You seem to think you can get what you want by being charming.” “It's always worked before.” “Understand this, Lord Zacharius: Even if I was attracted to you-which I am not-I could make love to you tonight and order your death tomorrow.” “I see,” the cat lord said. “Well, with that in mind, I think the act itself would be anticlimactic. Good night.” He walked gracefully to the door. "I want the activities of your people

curtailed,“ Myrmeen called after him. Lord Zacharius turned back and opened his hands in a solicitous gesture. ”Even if my people are responsible for the local chaos, I'm sure they're just being playful. They like it here. I don't think I'll be able to convince them to leave. If anything, I think more will come.“ ”That would be unfortunate.“ ”I don't think so. We cat lords know how to have a good time. We'll liven the place up.“ He shrugged. ”Oh, and would you be so kind as to summon an escort for